Readers of our little web page know that we're obsessed with comparison shopping, but we were slightly shocked to find just one lone Chrysanthemum teaspoon (item 123611846786) had recently sold on the big bad auction site for 49 American moneys. Holy guacamole!

height 2 1/4; diameter of base 2 3/16 inches, weight 3.05 Troy ounces, base shows some evidence of a candle having been pushed down too hard (see third enlargement) but we may say that it's in fine condition when viewed from above!

One factor which ultimately contributed to the demise of his firm was that George Shiebler's best designs were difficult to execute and costly to produce. Not many of these forks were made, and the surviving examples vary in quality and condition.

retailed by Palmer and Newcomb, length overall 23 1/2 inches, each coaster eight inches in diameter, gross weight 47 Troy ounces, engraved with an old English "m" and the crest of the Muir family (please see fourth photo). Overall condition is superb, though we will mention that the wooden inserts are later made but period accurate replacements.

Though we won't be so bold as to claim that it is unique, American silver wine trolleys from the mid 19th century are most certainly scarce...

Baltimore circa 1860, length five inches, weight .52 Troy ounces, no monogram, excellent condition. Please see third photo for mark. Gilding appears to be original but there is no way to know this, for sure.

including (top to bottom) D & H Number Ten, Blackinton "Thistle," and Gorham Cambridge which is monogrammed as shown. All are in excellent condition and average 4 1/2 inches. Total Troy weight 1.43 oz.

Price is for all four-- what a deal!! Make some fondue (remember fondue??) and invite a few friends over for dinner.

Though there is a slight condition issue (minor dent just above base; see fourth photo), the quality of repousée chasing throughout this piece is exceptional. All detail is perfectly preserved, even the delicate hammer marks left by the silversmith's tools.

also known as "man in the moon," and "North wind," but whatever you call it this Charles Osborne design is certainly one of the most enchanting pieces of children's silverware ever created.

Length 5 3/4 inches, weight 1.67 Troy ounces, engraved on reverse of bowl "Edna from Louise '92", excellent original condition with only the slightest loss of gilding to high points. This item is becoming increasingly difficult to find.